Home News, Notes and Pictures "Power, Passion and Beauty" - The Special Edition eBook 2013 ...Contact Walter Kolosky... Walter Kolosky News, Notes and Pictures Mike Stern and drummer Ted McCallion “In the North ” is the new album from Greek Spiliotopoulos. Spiliotopoulos, who recently has toured in the Asaf Sirkis Trio and perfor Kenny Wheeler and Gary Husband. “In the melange of Greek, ethnic and progressive i is often aggressively put forward, sometime sometimes not so darkly and more appropr material is full of tremendous interplay, mos engaging themes and ascending and desce unison or in contrast by Spiliotopoulos and Hulten. The able rhythm section of bassist P drummer Fredrik Rundqvist round out the im North” is serious progressive world-jazz mu is beautifully constructed, performed and re sure to be rewarded for any time invested. For a music lover, there is nothing quite lik just spent the last hour or so being bowled instrumentalist Beledo’s “Dreamland Mech presented is truly impressive, but that wou the material were run-of-the-mill. Luckily rock influenced compositions are packed fu wanderlust. And all the better, his bandma Lincoln Goines, Dewa Budjana and other co outstanding proponents. At first listening, Now, I am hooked. It was like taking a real in about an hour. You should book your pas Italian pianist Robertos Magris’ latest album further proof that his lush sweeping lines c masters. His love of the blues, fusion, Ame landscapes is clearly demonstrated. The m imitating, Lonnie Liston Smith in one mom in the next. (Steely Dan’s “Do It Again” get treatment.) With a strong supporting cast, bassist Dominique Sanders whose contribut proceedings like a serpentine guide wire, compositions are presented in full scope. I jazz vocalist Monique Danielle, who I have the past, on one cut. (My guess is that Dan connection. Magris has a musical soft spot place.) Enigmatix is a fine outing worthy o guess is that your second listening will occ after your first. I have become a great admirer of Tim Kuhl He appears to be a drummer and composer latest album, 1982, only bolsters that belie underpin the intent of this work- not featu turns. The semi-electronica tunes are simp were listening to a minimalist Kraftwerk. S momentum-building soundscapes, that are not so simple, hug the ground like a green intentions poke their heads above it. Becko earnest voice add poetic elements to the g This isn’t jazz or fusion, electronica or roc put into any niche. What Kuhl, with the ab has really created with 1982 is a profound only 33 minutes running time, 1982 should to convince you to stop what you are doing and pay close attention. I know it is hard t time out, but do it. After listening to Tim K be left in deep contemplation. That is prob place than where you were before you hit Learn more about Tim Kuhl and order 1982 It was a privilege to attend the early set on
Transcript
Home News, Notes and Pictures "Power, Passion and Beauty" - The Special Edition eBook 2013 ...Contact Walter Kolosky...
Walter Kolosky
News, Notes and Pictures
Mike Stern and drummer Ted McCallion
“In the North” is the new album from Greek guitarist TassosSpiliotopoulos. Spiliotopoulos, who recently relocated to Sweden,has toured in the Asaf Sirkis Trio and performed with the likes ofKenny Wheeler and Gary Husband. “In the North” is an intriguingmelange of Greek, ethnic and progressive influences. The mixtureis often aggressively put forward, sometimes a bit darkly-sometimes not so darkly and more appropriately restrained. Thematerial is full of tremendous interplay, most notably heard onengaging themes and ascending and descending lines played inunison or in contrast by Spiliotopoulos and saxophonist OrjanHulten. The able rhythm section of bassist Palle Sollinger anddrummer Fredrik Rundqvist round out the impressive band. “In theNorth” is serious progressive world-jazz music with an attitude. Itis beautifully constructed, performed and recorded. A listener issure to be rewarded for any time invested.
For a music lover, there is nothing quite like a new discovery. Ijust spent the last hour or so being bowled-over by multi-instrumentalist Beledo’s “Dreamland Mechanismpresented is truly impressive, but that wouldn’t mean much ifthe material were run-of-the-mill. Luckily for us, Beledo's jazz-rock influenced compositions are packed full of surprise andwanderlust. And all the better, his bandmates- Gary Husband,Lincoln Goines, Dewa Budjana and other cool folks- areoutstanding proponents. At first listening, I became curious.Now, I am hooked. It was like taking a really great world cruisein about an hour. You should book your passage ASAP.
Italian pianist Robertos Magris’ latest album, further proof that his lush sweeping lines can serve manymasters. His love of the blues, fusion, American jazz and Latinlandscapes is clearly demonstrated. The man can be, withoutimitating, Lonnie Liston Smith in one moment and Ramsey Lewisin the next. (Steely Dan’s “Do It Again” gets the Lewistreatment.) With a strong supporting cast, especially frombassist Dominique Sanders whose contribution runs through theproceedings like a serpentine guide wire, Magris’ ascendent compositions are presented in full scope. It is also good to hearjazz vocalist Monique Danielle, who I have reviewed favorably inthe past, on one cut. (My guess is that Danielle is a Kansas Cityconnection. Magris has a musical soft spot in his heart for theplace.) Enigmatix is a fine outing worthy of many listens. Myguess is that your second listening will occur about 1 minuteafter your first.
I have become a great admirer of Tim Kuhl’s work over the years.He appears to be a drummer and composer with no ego. Hislatest album, 1982, only bolsters that belief. Rhythm and toneunderpin the intent of this work- not featured solos or turns. The semi-electronica tunes are simple at first, as if youwere listening to a minimalist Kraftwerk. Soon, however,momentum-building soundscapes, that are no so electronica andnot so simple, hug the ground like a green fog as darkerintentions poke their heads above it. Beckoning whispers and anearnest voice add poetic elements to the groove-laden narrative.This isn’t jazz or fusion, electronica or rock or anything easilyput into any niche. What Kuhl, with the able help of his guests,has really created with 1982 is a profound sound sculpture. Atonly 33 minutes running time, 1982 should beto convince you to stop what you are doing at this very momentand pay close attention. I know it is hard these days to take anytime out, but do it. After listening to Tim Kuhl’s be left in deep contemplation. That is probably a far betterplace than where you were before you hit play.
Learn more about Tim Kuhl and order 1982
It was a privilege to attend the early set on Saturday May 2 of
the latest Mike Stern band at the Regattabar in Cambridge, MA.Imagine a band that features the phenomenal guitarist withAnthony Jackson on bass, Randy Brecker on trumpet and DennisChambers on drums! Each player holds a special place in musichistory. It was especially heartening to see and hear DennisChambers play again after his recent health scare. He lookedgreat and he sounded great!
I am still working on my latest project. I can't wait for it to bereleased. However, sometimes research takes more time thanyou expect. This is especially true if you are waiting for certainresponses. Patience is the key in such circumstances.
Witnessed a fine performance from the Levin Brothers at TCAN inNatick. They are reliving their youth in a quartet playing cooljazz from the fifties.
Another winning album from MoonJune Records. On Light, guitarist Mark Wingfield’s notes are forcibly extrudedthrough the smallest of openings. Remarkably, he uses nosynthesis at all during his lead playing to obtain this fascinatingsound. That said, his unique style only matters because hiscompositions are so compelling. Some melodic heavy lifting isgiven to bassist Yaron Stavi and the wonderfully inventive AsafSirkis rounds out the trio on drums. Proof of LightWingfield and his companions have it going on and you shouldlisten as soon as possible.
Had a chance to listen to the new album "Groundswell"Moraine (MoonJune Records) this morning. If a gun were held tomy head, I'd call it "grunge jazz-rock swing." really good and well worth your time.
New Tony Williams Lifetime Images Emerge
A couple of months back, I was contacted by drummer Al Faaet.He was a fan of my Mahavishnu book. He wanted to help with thecomprehensive Mahavishnu Orchestra gig list that we have beencompiling for years. I get notes all the time from people who tellme they were at a concert that we don’t have listed. Theproblem is that many times they cannot prove it. Memoriesaren’t so perfect- especially memories from the 70s. (Those ofyou who lived through those years know what I mean.) So, I havelearned to require some tangible proof before I place a concertin the gig list. A newspaper review, a ticket stub or some sort ofprovable record will do it. Well, Al had evidence in the form ofthe concert poster and he added, he had taken a few pictures. Itturns out his photos were fantastic and historically important.They will soon be debuted in an eBook project I am currentlyworking on.
Almost as an aside, Al mentioned he had some other photos too.Good previously unseen Mahavishnu Orchestra pictures are veryhard to find. However, decent pictures of the Tony WilliamsLifetime, the trailblazing jazz rock band that included JohnMcLaughlin and helped pave the way for Mahavishnu and otherjazz rock groups, were virtually nonexistent!
Al’s pictures were not of the first version of Lifetime withMcLaughlin, organist Larry Young, and of course, leader TonyWilliams. By 1970, the trio had added bassist Jack Bruce straightafter the demise of Cream. Still, to see Lifetime, in anyincarnation, in color and performing live is a true jazz rocktreasure. Due to the position of the camera, only Larry Young’ssandals can be seen. That is a shame. Still, these are the bestpictures of that seminal band I have ever seen.
Al Faaet: I had been turned on to Lifetime’s 1969 by the drummer in the band I was with in college. So, I wasalready a huge fan by the time I saw Lifetime in August of 1970at Ungano's. (In New York City.) I had received my draft noticefor September and had been burning the candle pretty hard allsummer long with regular applications of psychedelics.Nonetheless, it was still astonishing to me that the Lifetime showgot me much higher than anything else I had been doing allsummer!
I am currently hard at work on two new exciting MahavishnuOrchestra related projects. Details soon!
The HuffingtonPost has picked-up the full story about thediscovery of the long-lost Mahavishnu Orchestra Live in Seattlevideo!
See the homepage of this site for the exclusive viewing of thevideo Mahavishnu Orchestra Live in Seattle!
Jazz Rock guitar master Carl Orr really changes things up onForbearance and what he gives us is a stunningly beautiful feastfor the ears and the heart. Joined by an empathetic group ofmusicians, Orr may be quieter this time out, but his composingand brilliant guitar playing scream out louder than ever.
I only wish The Kai Eckhardt Band’s infectious, funky and cleverZeitgeist was the reality of everyday life. Luckily, its upliftinggrooves, head-swaying melodies and witty lyrics are certainly theantidote for it.
I just finished writing the liner notes for an exciting upcomingLarry Coryell and Eleventh House album.
"This is not some nostalgia trip. This is not retro. This iscontemporary hard-driving instrumental music sporting its ownid. Diamond Dust is how a 21st century power trio shouldsound."- That is what I have to say about Diamond Dust's That Time.
Guitar Channel interviewed me here.
Read my interview with Carlos Santana here
I highly, highly recommend Wolfgang Schalk's remixed andremastered "The Second Third Man"... and not just because Iwrote the liner notes! Wolfgang is one of the finest and mostcreative guitarists we have. Add legend Michael Brecker and afine band interpreting Schalk's provocative have a wondrous result! I would not lie to you...
Conduit, guitarist Greg Diamond’s latest album is aptly named. Aswirling solution of disparate styles and genres flows all throughthis music. Diamond can lay down husky bebop lines, sound like anasty Carlos Santana or play it gentle. (And that is just on thefirst 3 tunes!) Saxophonists Seamus Blake and Brian Hoggins,pianist Mike Eckroth, bassist Edward Perez, drummer Henry Cole
and conga player Mauricio Herrara are more than worthycompatriots in the non-homogeneous mixture head on a swivel one moment and your heart in your next. Conduit does not fit easily into any category except good music. Check out Greg's website.
I just interviewed Steve Howe, the legendary Yes guitaristmy upcoming updated Mahavishnu Orchestra eBook
I spoke with drummer Carmine Appice after performance with Vanilla Fudge at TCAN. What a nice guy! Ilearned that his two all-time favorite bands are The Police andThe Mahavishnu Orchestra.
I have an article at the Guitar Channel about the 40thAnniversary of the rise of the Mahavishnu Orchestra! Go tohttp://tinyurl.com/7no3aja
The exceedingly gifted guitarist Raul Mannola has a new albumout. The album, Inner Visions of Flamencoacoustic and electric guitars to produce a unique flamencoamalgam. Read about Raul, his new album and tour
It was a real pleasure to be speak with Ian Patterson ofallaboutjazz. The results are found in this in-depth
I acted as guest blogger at Jazzstage.net. Read the blog
I heard the great bass player Tony Grey and his Regattabar in Cambridge. Read more about this remarkablemusician and his new album at his website.
Yet another fantastic review! I am so touched. This time out, thelegendary rock critic and author Steven Rosen takes a turn. Readhere.
Ian Patterson of allaboutjazz.com loves the book! Read
A rave review from Guitar International! Read
I was on Tom Gagliardi's Philadelphia radio and Internet show. Asusual, had a great time. The interview is archived
I point you to drummer Asaf Sirkis’ latest album which is marked by cerebral melodies played as cosmic echoes.Sirkus’ trio takes his finely honed compositions and sets themfree to dance upon a universal landscape.
Both evocative and in the here and nowJoe Guido Walsh's Nothing Left To Say fusion fans, progressive rockers and any listener with aclue.
